Eight students from local high schools represented Cherokee County and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 316 at the week-long Girls State Legislative Training Program at Georgia Southern University in June and now one of the local participants is preparing to head to Washington D.C.

By the end of the week, Girls State student representatives from Cherokee County held many of the major state and local offices, and Rachel Peterson from River Ridge High School was selected from all attendees to represent Georgia at the companion program, Girls Nation, in Washington from July 20 to 27.

Representatives from Cherokee County at Girls State included Ashley Anthony from Etowah High School; Morgan Hendrix from King’s Academy; Peterson and Madison Puhy from River Ridge High School; and Bridgette Hudak, Annie Jiang, Madison Tank, and Rani Tilva from Woodstock High School.

“Students were nominated by the faculty and administration of their respective school based on academic achievement, outstanding character, and student involvement,” said Debby Parker with Post 316.

The selection process continued with interviews with members of the Unit 316 Auxiliary and culminated in the final selection of eight students from the many qualified nominations, she said.

Auxiliary units in 49 states host American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, a week of learning focused on responsible citizenship and love for God and country.

Students are assigned to mock cities where, divided into the “Federalist Party” and “Nationalist Party,” they learn about the political process from volunteers, according to information from the organization.

Students are encouraged to participate in mock government proceedings by running for office, sponsoring legislation, and discussing civic responsibilities, the release said.

Two girls are selected from each American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, where they become “senators.”

After running for office, electing a mock U.S. Girls Nation President, and campaigning for the passage of mock legislation, the participants meet with real-life national government leaders.

The highlight of the week includes a visit to the White House where for most years, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation senators have visited with the president of the United States.

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